Silo art: What you need to know

Across the flat and sprawling landscape of the Goulburn Valley and Southern Riverina, among stretches of highway and towering trees, there are few things as constant as grain silos.

As Wimmera Mallee communities continue to complete their Silo Art Trail, which will feature six silos across the region transformed into works of art, it has become a source of inspiration for many, with each silos seen as a potential canvas.

This unique outdoor gallery has captured imaginations and prompted many communities across the region to look at their own structures through fresh eyes.

So, if you're interested in transforming your town's silo, here's what you need to know. If you have any other questions, or simply an idea, contact Alana Christensen on 5820 3237 or email alana.christensen@sheppnews.com.au

Silo Art Trail

The Silo Art Trail is a compilation of six silos stretching throughout the Wimmera-Mallee district covering the towns of Brim, Patchewollock, Sheep Hills, Roseberry, Rupanyip and Lacelles.

Stretching over 200km, the silos have seen artists such as Adnate, Fintan Magee and Kaff-eine paint 30m murals of local faces on these silos.

Made possible through state and federal government funding, the Graincorp owned silos were the brain child of Melbourne street art network Juddy Roller.

More images and information can be found at the Silo Art Trail's Facebook and Instagram.

Graincorp and proposals

Many of the silos in the region, including those used throughout the Silo Art Trail, are owned by Graincorp. The company has welcomed the work by local communities and artists to make the trail possible and is open to considering further proposals.

The company have outlined proposal requirements in this document, with further information able to be sourced from here.

To be considered, any proposed project must have the demonstrated support of the local council, community group(s) and broader community. Community groups wishing to discuss a proposed project with Graincorp must provide at a minimum:

A detailed design concept

Artist’s name and portfolio

Details of local government & community group support

Details of how the project would be funded

Proposed project timeline

Graincorp will consider proposals involving artwork focused on:

The local community and/or its history

Farming, grain and food production

Life in a regional area

Safety

Whilst Graincorp have not provided any additional funding to the creation of the Silo Art Trail, they did contribute to ensuring the space was safe and ready to be painted.

To contact Graincorp with any questions or a proposal, email their team at: socialmedia@graincorp.com.au with the subject line "Silo Art".

Funding

The Silo Art Trail secured both federal and state funding to the tune of approximately $40,000 to $50,000 per silo, with most of those funds being put towards the artists fee.

The Victorian Government contribution came through a Creative Victoria grant, which provided $200,000 in funding for the Silo Art Trail. Both Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley and Tourism and Major Events Minister John Eren have stated they are open to hearing proposals regarding further silo art projects. You can read what they told the Country Newshere and here.

Both ministers stressed that there must be community support and a clear proposal to apply for funding. For a list of funding and support options provided through Creative Victoria visit here.